Throwback Thursday: From New Heights

September 23, 2021 - by Brooke Wilson

Throwback Thursday: From New Heights

With autumn firmly under foot, signs and sounds of seasonal change are in full swing. Like birds migrating south and critters prepping for the long winter, this time of transition often invites an opportunity to reflect, take stock and appreciate the beauty and impermanence in our lives and surroundings.

If you're feeling a little nostalgic like us, take a moment to admire these historical photos we found from a few locally renowned archives.

THEN: MARCH 1987

Photo courtesy of Richard E. Hawes

An aerial view facing southwest with Meydenbauer Bay in the background. Note the two adjacent construction sites located center-right, which now house the multifaceted business and hospitality hub, Bellevue Place, and Hyatt Regency Bellevue next door. Also note the upper-left corner for a glimpse of Bellevue Downtown Park in the midst of its multi-decade remodeling project.

NOW: SEPTEMBER 2021

Photo Courtesy of BDA

Similar angle from the outdoor patio at Daniel's Broiler on the 21st floor of the Bellevue Place complex, neighboring Lincoln Square North on the left. Beyond the yellow crane towering over the construction site for Avenue Bellevue, futuristic mixed-use residential towers, lies a distant Seattle skyline across Lake Washington.

One extra slice of history for good measure: a vintage postcard to say, "Thanks for stopping by - come visit us again real soon!"

Photo Courtesy of Max R. Jensen

Want to dust off more historical treasures? Check out Eastside Heritage Center, an organization that enhances community through the historical preservation and stewardship of the Eastside region. More archives are in The Seattle Times news catalog, or King County Snapshots, supported and maintained by Museum of History & Industry, Institute of Museum and Library Services, and University of Washington Libraries' Special Collections division.

Do you have any old Bellevue memorabilia? Share your stories, photos and connections with us on social using #HeartofBellevue to highlight Downtown through the years!

This blog is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.